Pulmonary Functions and Inflammatory Biomarkers in Post-Pulmonary Tuberculosis Sequelae

Area of Science:

• Pulmonary Medicine
• Immunology
• Respiratory Physiology

Background:

• Post-tuberculosis sequelae (PTBS) are common, particularly in high TB burden regions.
• PTBS can manifest as chronic symptoms from previously treated tuberculosis.
• This study investigates pulmonary function and systemic inflammation in PTBS patients.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess pulmonary function in patients with post-TB sequelae (PTBS).
• To measure systemic inflammatory markers in PTBS patients.
• To compare PTBS patients with post-TB without sequelae (PTBWS) and healthy controls.

Main Methods:

• Enrolled 30 participants: 10 PTBS, 10 PTBWS, and 10 healthy controls.
• Conducted spirometry and impulse oscillometry for pulmonary function tests.
• Measured serum levels of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-1, transforming growth factor-β, and interferon-γ.

Main Results:

• PTBS patients exhibited significantly lower spirometry values (SVC, FVC, FEV1) compared to controls and PTBWS.
• Impulse oscillometry revealed increased airway impedance and resistance, with decreased reactance in PTBS versus PTBWS.
• Serum MMP-1 levels were significantly elevated in PTBS patients compared to both PTBWS and healthy controls.

Conclusions:

• Post-TB sequelae are associated with significant pulmonary function impairment.
• Elevated serum MMP-1 levels are observed in PTBS patients.
• Recommends follow-up pulmonary function testing post-TB treatment for early PTBS diagnosis.